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Here's what you need to do if your home is damaged in a storm

Have you found storm damage? Here's what The National Storm Damage Center says you need to do:

SAFETY FIRST

Downed power lines? Stay away from them and call your utility company.

ASSESS THE DAMAGE

The roof is most susceptible to costly damage. If a tree limb or other heavy debris fell on your roof during a storm, your home might have structural damage, so be cautious.

Common signs of roof damage are:

Holes in the roof

Split seams

Missing shingles

Bruises or dented asphalt shingles

Cracked or broken tile, slate, or concrete shingles

Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts

Leaks in your roof or ceiling

Dents on vents, gutters, or flashing

Windows and doors are vulnerable to wind damage and flying debris. Inspect your windows for cracks, holes, broken panes and damaged frames. Watch out for shards of glass, and be sure to board up broken windows until they can be fixed.

The NSDC offers this seven-step guide to beginning the claims process:

Step 1: Assess the storm damage. Record the date of the storm, signs of damage you can see from the ground, and take pictures of any damage. Search online for news stories of the storm hitting your area, so you have proof if it is ever required.

Step 2: Contact several reputable storm repair contractors and obtain 3 written proposals. Make sure your contractor performs a full property inspection, including the roof, windows, siding, AC units, screens, concrete and all other exterior surfaces.

Step 3: Read your insurance policy carefully and contact the claims department of your insurance company directly. Be prepared to provide pictures, and the estimate from the contractor you have chosen to work with.

Step 4: Request an insurance adjuster inspection. Insist your contractor is present during the adjuster inspection. Your contractor's job is to make sure the adjuster plays fair, and provides you with a fair assessment. Remember, the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and may have an incentive to deny your claim, if they think they can.

Step 5: If your claim is denied, don't worry. You are entitled to meet with three insurance adjusters. Remember, even a small amount of damage should result in an approved claim. Any type of damage can devalue your home and damage should be fixed immediately before it leads to greater damage down the road.

Step 6: Once your claim is approved your insurance company will send you 2 separate payments. The first payment, or materials deposit, covers the cost of materials. Make sure your contractor orders materials in your name, and uses your check to pay for your materials.

Step 7: After your materials are delivered, your contractor will get to work. Any changes to the written bid should be submitted in writing for your approval. No additional payment is due until all the repairs are complete. Once your project has passed a city inspection, you will have a chance to approve the job before making final payment. Make sure the job is done to your satisfaction and your contractor signs a lien waiver, before handing over the second payment.

Also note: If your car was damaged in the storm, that falls under your car insurance policy, not your homeowners insurance.

HIRE WITH CARE

If your insurance is going to cover the cost of hiring a contractor, there's no reason to try to DIY the repairs.